A new film will see acclaimed virtuoso Janine Jansen explore the life and craft of Antonio Stradivari through 12 of his finest instruments. Due for release in UK cinemas on September 2, the film follows the violinist as she records an album for Decca Classics, accompanied on piano by Sir Antonio Pappano.

Called Janine Jansen: Falling for Stradivari, the film will highlight the unique nature of each instrument - some of which belonged to leading soloists including Fritz Kreisler, Nathan Milstein, Ida Haendel and Oscar Shumsky - and chronicles the challenges of exploring and understanding their individual sound.

The initial project was the vision of Steven Smith, Managing Director of violin dealers J&A Beare, who wanted to bring 12 of the very best violins together and record for posterity their sounds in a single album. He managed to organise a two week period – though one years in the planning – when they could be flown to London for the sessions.

That this was set to take place following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic further complicated matters, as the film's Director Gerald Fox recalls: ‘One of the hardest challenges was making this film during Covid, firstly getting to Sweden to film there and then getting the artists and priceless violins to London for the recording sessions.

‘And that became even harder when Janine herself succumbed to Covid after only a few days of filming but picked herself up after three weeks to make the album. It is really moving to watch Janine triumph over adversity, healing herself through the sheer all-consuming power of music,’ he added.

And for an insight into how Jansen responds to each instrument - her observations, revelations and enjoyment - here's a taste of the film.

Janine Jansen: Falling for Stradivari is made by Asterisk Films and Foxy Films, and produced in association with Sky Arts where it will be broadcast on September 23. Decca Classics in partnership with J&A Beare will release the album ‘12 Stradivari’ on September 2.